Which used BMW X5 should you buy?

As one of the most desirable luxury SUVs on sale, the BMW X5 has an excellent engine range with powerful diesel choices and a punchy and smooth petrol unit.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid option for those who spend lots of time around town, which lets you drive on electric power only for up to 30 miles or so.

You can’t really go wrong with any of these powertrains.

Inside, the BMW X5 cabin is marked out by high-quality materials and plenty of in-car technology, regardless of spec. It’s spacious and the boot is huge, plus there’s an option to have two extra seats in the back that can fold away when you’re not using them. If you’re after a seven-seater, this BMW X5 fits the bill perfectly.

Although there are no alternative body styles for the BMW X5, there is the closely related BMW X6 with a much more sloping roofline at the rear, which uses similar mechanical parts. The BMW X5 M Competition is another variant, but this is considered as a separate model.

Read our full BMW X5 review

What used BMW X5 trim levels are available?

Although the BMW X5 is an extremely desirable SUV, there are surprisingly few trim levels, making it more straightforward for buyers to understand the line-up.

Read on as we help you work out which model is best for you, with a closer look at the equipment that comes with each specification.

BMW X5 xLine

The entry-level BMW X5 xLine model comes with a choice of four engines – all six-cylinder motors that use an automatic gearbox only and four-wheel drive. The range starts with the BMW X5 xDrive30d diesel, then there’s the BMW X5 xDrive40d, the BMW X5 xDrive40i petrol and the BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid petrol. All versions share the same generous equipment list:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Chrome grille
• Aluminium exterior trim pieces
• Adaptive air-suspension
• Leather seats
• Sat-nav
• Online services and traffic updates
• Reversing camera
• Digital radio
• Heated seats
• Ambient lighting
• Wireless phone charging
• WiFi hotspot
• Bluetooth connectivity

BMW X5 M Sport

The BMW X5 M Sport is the most popular version of the BMW X5 on BuyaCar, and that means there’s plenty of choice when it comes to getting the right one for you. This is mostly a cosmetic upgrade of the BMW X5 xLine model, as the BMW X5 M Sport has broadly the same technology and equipment inside. The key changes are:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Uprated brakes
• Sporty bodystyling
• Dark interior headlining
• Black roof rails

BMW X5 M50i

If you’re after a powerful engine in the BMW X5, then you could consider the BMW X5 M50i, which has its own trim level above the previous two. This model uses a 4.4-litre petrol engine with a substantial 537PS, so it can go from 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds, making it seriously quick. Most of the equipment is the same as on the BMW X5 M Sport version, but there are some unique features, as listed below. 

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Upgraded Harman/Kardon stereo system
• Grey grille
• Optional special adaptive suspension

Is a used BMW X5 a good buy?

The BMW X5 is a large, upmarket SUV that’s a similar size and price to the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, as well as the Audi Q7.

While it has some fierce opposition, the BMW X5 is one of the top choices in this area of the market because it is such an exceptional all-rounder.

It’s not only one of the most comfortable cars of its type, it’s also good to drive, spacious, sufficiently economical and quiet on the motorway.